and get this, president obama is winning this argument. remember the anti-tax pledge? 44 republicans had distanced themselves from it. today conservative columnist david brooks says, republicans have to realize they're going to have to cave on tax rates. and conservative writer byron york writes, quote, republicans will cave. part of the reason for the shift is the president is staying strong on this issue. he did just -- he did that to just now and won an election. also, americans are saying clearly who they blame if the two sides don't reach a deal before the end of the year. take a look at this. a new poll shows republicans will take the blame if a deal isn't reached and we go over the fiscal cliff. 53% say it's on republicans. half that, 27%, will blame the president. this is progress. this is change. if president obama can break republicans on tax increases, this could redefine american politics. it would help to change our politics in very important ways. and who knows what else may be possible. joining me now is krystal ball and richard wolffe. thank you for bei